China has called on the European Union to ensure a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies. This is in response to the EU's plan to restrict the access of Chinese medical equipment suppliers to the public procurement market.
According to the information available, EU Member States have approved five-year ban the participation of Chinese companies in contracts above €5 million. They are relying on a January investigation by the European Commission, which claims that Chinese contracts often contain barriers to imports.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the EU was acting contrary to its stated values. He said it was increasingly resorting to protectionism and unilateral trade instruments, thereby distorting fair competition.
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce to the EU expressed "deep disappointment" and recalled that European companies have a significant position in the Chinese marketthat Brussels ignores.
